How is your translation price calculated by word count?

Calculating the translation price for a document is quite easy for us, but clients may have problems understanding how is their translation cost calculated. This article will explain how word count can be used to calculate your translation cost so you could better understand different quotes you get from different translation companies and be able to make a decision.

there are a few ways to calculate a translation price based on the number of words, and here are the main ones you might encounter in your quest of finding the most affordable provider.

How to calculate your translation price

Number of Words Varies Before and After Translation

If you compare your original document with its translation in another language you will notice that the number of words in a document normally changes after the document is translated. Sometimes after a document has been translated, you will see the number of words increases or decreases. The contraction and expansion of the number of the words of a document is a factor that should be considered and taken into account when the translation price is calculated.

The calculation of the price of translation varies from one translation company to another. However, this article will give you an idea of how the calculation for the price of the translation per word takes place or is done.

Basic Translation Cost Calculation per Word

So, for example, you have a document in English as a source text and want it translated into Spanish. A particular translation company may charge you for the number of the words in your source document, but others may charge you based on the number of words in the translated document. In this particular scenario, the first method will give you a better price. And that usually happens with all languages, in general the translation will have more words compared to the source document. That is why we at NordicTrans give you a price based on the number of words in your source document.

Factors to Be Considered in Calculating the Translation Price per Word

Furthermore, a particular translation company outthere will also consider the type of file you are sending, the field of expertise and the target language. The translation cost could be higher depending on those factors. Aside from this, other components are also considered such as revisions and updates which may increase the cost. Depending on how fast you need to have your translation, other companies may charge you more as they may have the so-called rush rates.

In general, those are direct factors that could influence your translation cost. With each quote you receive you need to ask what is included in the cost. With us it is easier to understand as we

• don’t charge extra rush or weekend rates
• we calculate your price based on the number of words in your source document, which will give you a better price
• whenever you need it we can use translation memory tools which will result in a lower price
• we have a flat rate per word no matter what language it is, even for rare languages

There are other factors that are not evidently visible during the initial stage apart from the ones mentioned above. In addition, other elements such as localization, linguistic specifications, and culture must also be considered. Lastly, additional data or documents might be added to the current document being translated. Hence, the price may vary along with other factors.

We have clearly mentioned how our option for you to calculate the translation price can benefit you in more than one ways. We have also elaborated how the processes work, yet we believe we left out one most important detail.

Being humans, it is our very basic instinct to compare prices whenever we buy something. There are plenty of translation services out there and you sure get tempted to try them on the basis of their low prices and exaggerated claims.

But here, we are providing you a transparent information with fair and clear pricing even before you choose to go with us. This is the proof that we have your best interest at heart. Depending on your translation project, nature of content and number of words, we project a clear picture for you. However, we do suggest that you keep our quality, affordability, expertise and services in mind before analyzing the price.

Translation Price

Several translation agencies won’t list translation prices, claiming that every project is different. Though, it’s necessary to know which particular pricing system they apply. The most common pricing method is per word, but you may also be priced per page, per hour or a flat fee. Each has its disadvantages and advantages, so be sure to ask for a complete description of what you’re spending for. With per word pricing, don’t skip to ask whether words are included at the source or after translation since texts can contract or expand during the process.

Faced with all the extra costs, it can be tempting to bring translation in-house, especially if your business needs consistent translation. Though, far from saving you cash, this can prove to be a meaningful investment that your company doesn’t require to make. The best way to know translation price, contact us, and we will get you a confirmed quote in a few minutes. We can take in to account the timing, translator availability, type of content and file formats to assure you get the best possible translation price.

Translation Rates Factors

Professional translators offer a range of translation rates depending on various factors such as the complexity of the content, language combination, and urgency of the project. For legal documents or technical content requiring specialized knowledge, translation rates may be higher due to the expertise required. Language pairs also influence rates, with rare or less commonly spoken languages typically commanding higher fees. Translation service providers may offer pricing structures based on word count, page count, or hourly rates. While machine translations may offer lower rates, professional translators ensure high-quality translations, maintaining accuracy and adhering to subject matter expertise. Freelance translators often set their rates based on their experience and expertise, aiming to provide fair prices for their services while delivering accurate translations tailored to the client’s needs.

Translation  Quality

Human translation remains a cornerstone of professional translation services, ensuring accuracy and linguistic nuance that machine translation tools cannot replicate. While the cost of translation services varies based on factors like content type, urgency, and language pair, professional translators strive to offer fair rates that reflect the quality of their work. Urgent translations or rush jobs may incur higher fees due to the expedited turnaround time required. Translation vendors in the industry often provide instant quotes, allowing clients to compare prices and select the most suitable option. Despite the availability of machine translation at lower costs, many clients prioritize the quality and reliability of human translation, recognizing its value in delivering standard translations tailored to their specific needs. Ultimately, competitive rates in the translation industry strike a balance between affordability and quality, ensuring that clients receive accurate and reliable translations for their content.

Translation Quality: Accuracy & Fluency

Translation quality refers to the accuracy, fluency, and overall effectiveness of a translated text in conveying the intended meaning of the original content. Achieving high translation quality involves much more than simply substituting words from one language to another; it requires a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, as well as the cultural nuances and context surrounding the text. A quality translation should faithfully capture the tone, style, and nuances of the original while ensuring clarity and coherence for the target audience. Factors that contribute to translation quality include the expertise and qualifications of the translator, adherence to industry standards and best practices, thorough proofreading and editing processes, and the effective use of translation technology and resources. Ultimately, a high-quality translation is one that effectively communicates the message of the original text to its intended audience, with accuracy, fluency, and cultural sensitivity.

Human translation remains a cornerstone of professional translation services, ensuring accuracy and linguistic nuance that machine translation tools cannot replicate. While the cost of translation services varies based on factors like content type, urgency, and language pair, professional translators strive to offer fair rates that reflect the quality of their work. Urgent translations or rush jobs may incur higher fees due to the expedited turnaround time required. Translation vendors in the industry often provide instant quotes, allowing clients to compare prices and select the most suitable option. Despite the availability of machine translation at lower costs, many clients prioritize the quality and reliability of human translation, recognizing its value in delivering standard translations tailored to their specific needs. Ultimately, competitive rates in the translation industry strike a balance between affordability and quality, ensuring that clients receive accurate and reliable translations for their content.

The translation process involves converting text from a source language into a target language while preserving its meaning, tone, and context. Translators typically charge an hourly rate or project-based fee for their services, which can vary depending on factors such as the source language, the complexity of the content, and the translator’s qualifications. Translation projects encompass a wide range of materials, from legal documents to marketing materials, each requiring specific expertise and attention to detail. Clients should consider the source language and the content’s complexity when budgeting for translation services, as these factors can impact the overall cost. Qualified translators with experience in the subject matter are essential for accurate and effective translations. Additional charges may apply for rush jobs, specialized terminology, or formatting requirements, so it’s important for clients to discuss these details upfront to avoid surprises in the final invoice.

When considering translation services, clients should be aware of the possibility of extra charges, which may arise for various reasons such as urgent deadlines or specialized requirements. Being informed about these potential additional fees allows clients to make educated decisions when budgeting for their translation needs. Many translation agencies offer price calculators or transparent pricing structures, enabling clients to estimate costs accurately and plan accordingly. By understanding the factors that can lead to extra charges and utilizing tools like price calculators, clients can navigate the translation process more effectively and ensure that their projects stay within budget constraints.

Medical translations and legal translations are critical services that require precision and expertise to ensure accuracy and compliance with industry standards and legal frameworks. These translations often involve sensitive information and must be delivered within specified timeframes, accommodating urgent needs in healthcare and legal settings. Beyond text, translators handle audio files to enhance user experience, employing human post-editing to refine content for clarity and context. Costs for these services vary based on factors such as delivery time, with rates typically calculated per hour or based on word count. SEO translation services are also offered to optimize content for search engines while maintaining linguistic and technical accuracy, reflecting the diverse and specialized nature of professional translation services in today’s global marketplace.

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